SERVICE PRIVILEGESCentral

Section 25 of The Navy Act, 1957

A criminal court before which any proceedings have been taken against a person in the naval service while subject to naval law shall, on application by the Chief of the Naval Staff or the commanding officer of that person, grant copies of the judgment and final orders in the case free of cost and without delay.

Summary

The single most important thing this provision does is ensure that naval leadership can quickly and freely get records of criminal cases involving their personnel.
It applies to proceedings in any criminal court against a person subject to naval law.
Either the Chief of the Naval Staff or the specific person's commanding officer can request these documents.
The court is legally required to provide copies of the judgment and final orders.
These copies must be given without delay and entirely free of cost.

Practical examples

1A local magistrate in Kochi convicts a sailor of public intoxication on December 4. The sailor's commanding officer applies to the court for the final judgment to determine if military discipline is also needed. The court clerk prints and hands over the documents the same day at no charge.

2The Chief of the Naval Staff wants to review a complex criminal fraud case involving a senior officer. His office requests the final orders from the Delhi criminal court, and the court mails the certified copies immediately without sending an invoice for copying fees.

FAQ

1. Who can request court documents under Section 25 of The Navy Act, 1957?

Under Section 25 of the naval law, only the Chief of the Naval Staff or the commanding officer of the naval person involved in the criminal case can make the application.

2. Do commanding officers have to pay for court records requested under Section 25 of the Indian Navy Act?

No, Section 25 of the Act requires the criminal court to provide copies of the judgment and final orders completely free of cost.

3. What specific documents does Section 25 of the 1957 Navy Act entitle naval leaders to receive?

Section 25 of the Act entitles them to receive copies of the judgment and final orders from the criminal court proceedings.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 25 of The Navy Act, 1957, which type of court is required to provide free copies of its judgments to naval commanders?

Q2.According to Section 25 of the naval law, what conditions apply when a commanding officer requests a judgment regarding their sailor?

Q3.Under Section 25 of The Navy Act, 1957, who is authorized to apply for the final orders from a criminal court regarding a sailor?

Q4.What is the primary purpose of Section 25 of the 1957 Navy Act?

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